Welcome to Community Living!
Tarleton State University is committed to the student development philosophy. Consequently, respect for the rights of others is a basic component of this developmental experience. A student is expected to show respect for the law, University policy, personal honor, maturity, and respect for the rights of others, whether on or off campus. There are several things which students must do and must not do if they wish to remain associated with Residence Life and the University. The University does not attempt to define by formal rules every unacceptable action. In situations not covered by specific regulations, a student is expected to use common sense and act in a mature and responsible manner. The basic rule is consideration for others. All rules and regulations are an extension of this basic policy.
Regulations, rules, policies, and procedures pertaining to the campus are based on a number of concepts, including:
As a legal entity established by the State of Texas, the University is obligated to support the laws of the community of which it is a part.
The University is obligated to protect its property from destruction and misuse.
As an educational community, the University is obligated to establish and promote standards of behavior which will serve the university, the community and it’s members.
As a residential community, the University is obligated to make certain that the residential experience contributes fully to the institution’s educational mission and the development of its students.
As a resident student at Tarleton State University, students have a right to an environment which is conducive to study, sleep, learning, and leisure. A student’s personal rights and needs should be met in campus housing. However, each person must realize he/she is an individual member within a community environment, with responsibilities not only for one’s individual behavior but also responsibility for the community. When individual needs come in conflict with those of other community members, it is the responsibility of the individual with concerns to initiate action addressing and alleviating these concerns.
The student should make a reasonable effort to address his/her concerns and needs with the individual(s) involved. It is important for each student to always remember that, as a member of a community, and that one’s individual action affects others. To effectively resolve conflict within the community, students must learn to accept responsibility for interacting with their community and its individual members.
A student must address individual concerns to the Residence Life staff. Although these staff members are assigned the responsibility for discipline and residence education, as a general rule, matters should be referred to them only after the individual has reasonably attempted to resolve personal concerns.
The Residence Life staff is more than willing to assist the individual student in addressing or alleviating concerns.
Tarleton State University policies, rules, and regulations for resident students are designed to protect the individual student’s
rights while providing a healthy living environment. Some rules must be defined in order to assure a sound, comfortable living
environment. In situations where these rules are not applicable, the “Basic Policy.” outlined above, is fully binding.
CsP1: Room Condition Sheet
Room Condition Sheet – Tarleton’s residence halls are operated on a self-sustaining basis and fines must be charged for damage to furniture, equipment, and/or rooms. Students are required to complete a Room Condition Sheet acknowledging receipt and condition of all property in the assigned room.
Any damage to the room/apartment or its furnishings which is considered to be beyond normal wear and tear will be the student’s responsibility. Students should report damages as they occur. Additionally, students assigned to a hall/apartment are collectively responsible for the proper use, cleaning and sanitation of common areas (lounges, laundry room, computer lab, etc.) and their furnishings. When the responsibility for damage or loss cannot be assigned to individuals, the damage or loss charges may be prorated to the members of the identified floor/hall/apartment of responsibility, and each student shall pay a prorated share. Charges for loss or damages will be based on current cost to repair/replace items and billed to the student’s University account.
Upon move-in, students must report the condition of their space on furnishings on the Room Condition Sheet and submit it to their hall service office. The Room Condition Sheet will be used at move out to charge damages that are not noted, initially, on the form. Those responsible for damage to or misuse of any University property are subject to disciplinary action which will include restitution for damages/repairs.
Residence Life Charge Appeal Process and Templates
Process
- A Residence Life professional staff member will assess damages or determine that a student has
failed to complete a required procedure. - The Residence Hall Director will add the charge in Mercury and send an email through Mercury
detailing the amount charged and the reason for the charge.
a. Included in the email will be a link to the Residence Life Charge Appeal form. The form
will only be available through this email.
b. If the charge was for a housing administrative process (buyout, application fee, etc.) the
charge will be added by the Housing Assignment Coordinators. These charges are not
appealable and will be denied. - The student will have 14 calendar days to complete the Maxient form to appeal their charge and
must include documentation. - The Dean of Students Administrative Office will assign the appeal case to the conduct back-up to
review and make a decision for the appeal. - The back-up will review the documentation provided by the student and the information on file
with Residence Life, including pictures in Mercury/Teams and incident reports. - Based on the documentation, the back-up will make a final decision on the student’s
responsibility for the charges. Notes in Maxient should be updated to include the findings. - The back-up will send an official notification letter through maxient detailing their determination.
All decisions will be final through this process are final.
The appeal case will be assigned to the Residence Hall Director’s conduct back-up as listed below:
- Texan Hall > Heritage
- Hunewell/Hunewell Annex/Edge > Honors
- Honors > Hunewell/Hunewell/Edge
- Traditions North/South > Legacy/Ferguson
- Legends/Centennial > Texan Village
- Legacy/Ferguson > Integrity
- Heritage > Texan Hall
- Integrity > Traditions North/South
- Texan Village > Legends/Centennial
CsP2: Room Personalization & Preventing Damage
Room Personalization & Preventing Damage – Personalizing a room to create a home away from home is encouraged to generate a sense of comfort throughout the academic year. All decorations and personalization is temporary and should be applied in a way that does not cause damage to the unit.
The following guidelines are to be followed in the interest of fire safety as well as to minimize damage to University Housing facilities:
- Students must use removable tape products to hang items from walls.
- Screws may not be used in any room surface including the inside and outside of all doors. Damage caused by improper use of nails, screws, tacks, staples, tape, etc. will be charged to the resident(s) of the room.
- Please test the surface to ensure that no damage is caused during the removal of the product.
- Plant hangers or similar hooks may not be placed in ceilings or other room surfaces.
- Air vents must remain in place and free of obstructions. Covering these vents restricts air movement within a room and within the building which results in inadequate heating and cooling.
- With the exception of curtains not visible from the outside, window decorations are not permissible. To maintain a fire exit, the windowsill must also remain bare and free of personal decorations. If any decoration is viewable from the exterior of the campus property, the item is considered a window decoration and the blinds must be closed.
- Wall and Door decorations can not cover more than 20% of the surface of the wall or door.
- The lighting and burning of candles (including candle warmers), incense, potpourri, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or anything requiring an open flame is prohibited in any residential facility. Plug in scent diffusers are permitted. Violations may result in administrative and/or disciplinary action.
- Adhesive stickers and emblems (other than decals designed for easy removal) may not be attached to any surface in student’s rooms, including doors, windows and mirrors. Glitter/foam adhesive letters peel off paint and result in damage charges.
- Homemade or purchased loft systems are not permitted in campus housing.
- All materials must be flame resistant. Lights must be low wattage. LED string lights are, and other forms of Christmas or holiday lights are not permissible.
- Building additions and/or alterations to rooms are not allowed.
Residents are expected to comply with these guidelines. We encourage all residents to get hanging applications approved by the Residence Hall Director before applying them to the wall. Those who fail to do so will be subject to action by campus housing. This may include but is not limited to confiscation of unauthorized property, official administrative and/or disciplinary action, and/or referral to University Police.
CsP3: Cleaning to Prevent Damage, Maintain Health and Safety
Cleaning to Prevent Damage, Maintain Health and Safety – Cleaning of the individual room/apartment is the responsibility of the resident(s) occupying the room/apartment. The custodial staff disinfects and sanitizes common areas daily to include lounges, lobbies, hallways, and community bathroom facilities.
- Residents are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the bathroom facilities provided in each room/suite. Apartment Residents are expected to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of their apartment, including the timely removal of trash to the dumpsters provided.
- Health and Safety (inspections) Checks occur in order to check the following: (1) the cleanliness and sanitary condition of the room, and (2) that University-owned property is being properly cared for. The room check will be made by the Residence Life staff. Residents are asked to help maintain the cleanliness of the residence halls, including restrooms and shower facilities, and to not sweep trash into the hallway.
- Vacuum cleaners are available for checkout. When a room/apartment is found to be kept in an unsatisfactory condition, the student(s) assigned to the room/apartment will be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action to include restitution for any expenses incurred in bringing the room/apartment into compliance with these standards. If the condition warrants or a pattern is established the student may be subject to administrative action.
- Any trash needs to be taken directly to dumpsters located outside of the residence halls, and not left in hallways, stairwells, balconies, fire escapes, public areas or restrooms for any period of time. Residents not properly disposing of trash are subject to fines and disciplinary action.
- Students are responsible for removing all perishable items from their room/apartment when campus housing is officially closed.
CsP4: Balcony/Deck Policy
Balcony/Deck Policy – Some residential units have balconies or decks for student use. Balconies and decks are subject to the same policies and regulations found in their respective residential facilities. If the policies regarding balcony/deck use are not adhered to, students are subject to disciplinary action and/or fines, up to and including removal from campus housing with continued financial obligation. Using balconies/decks for storage or as holding areas create safety and health hazards and can be unsightly. In general, balconies/decks are not to be used as storage areas. To promote safety and prevent damages, the following are the policies regarding balconies and decks:
- Smoking is prohibited on the balcony/deck. Tarleton is a smoke and tobacco free campus.
- Students may not store or leave their trash on the balcony or deck.
- Ground floor balconies are not meant for entrance and exit from the apartment area.
- No alcohol is permitted on the balcony/deck or any public areas at any time.
- Students may not store any university furniture or interior furnishings on the balcony or deck for any reason or for any length of time. When indoor furniture is placed outside, the aesthetic standards set by Residence Life are not met. In addition, the sun and rain will ruin the furniture’s upholstery and wood finish. If the residents of an apartment are found with university furniture on their balcony or deck, the apartment occupants will be referred to personnel in the Dean of Students Administrative Office and, if found responsible, receive sanctions that can include a daily fine and charges for damages to university property.
- Students may place their personal furniture (e.g., folding chairs and small tables) on the balcony (Texan Village only). To ensure the safety of all residents and prevent injury, personal furniture is not permitted on any of the decks. Hammocks are not permitted to be hung from balconies and decks.
- Barbeque grills, propane tanks, portable barbeque grills (e.g., Hibachis), grilling accessories, and combustible materials such as charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid may not be used or stored inside buildings or outside on balconies or decks. Small barbeque grills must be used at least 25 feet from the buildings due to the density of apartment living and fire safety. Barbeque areas are available for the residents in several residential communities.
- Students may not engage in or behave in ways that are dangerous to self or others (e.g., jumping from balcony/deck, repelling, and hanging over the edge, or climbing up to the balcony.
- Students may not throw items to and from balconies and decks.
- Students may not display or hang items from the balcony/deck as this can be a fire hazard. This includes strands of lights, wind chimes, drapes, and any other decorations are not permitted
CsP5: University Property
University Property – University property is considered state property, as such, the university and Residence Life hold some responsibility for how the residence halls and campus apartments appear to the general public. Theft or damage to state
property is a criminal offense that can result in fines and jail time.
- All University movable furnishings (beds, mattresses, chairs, desks, etc.) must remain in their assigned room/apartment even if not being used.
- Window dressings (blinds, etc.) are not to be removed and must stay in their intended locations.
- No objects are to be placed between the blinds and the window or set in the windowsills.
- Ceiling tiles are not to be removed. Removing ceiling tiles is hazardous and may result in injury to the student and/or damage to the tiles which will then have to be replaced at the student’s expense.
- Lounge and common furnishings are not to be placed in individual rooms. These furnishings are intended to be used by all residents and must be kept available for community use.
- Windows in air-conditioned residence halls must be kept closed. In all halls, windows must be closed whenever the heating system is on during cool/cold times. Screens must remain in the window frames.
Repair costs for damage to room/apartments, or the replacement costs for lost or damaged room furnishings, will be charged to the resident(s) assigned to the room/apartment. In each case, the charge will be divided equally between the
students involved unless there is a written agreement between the students that one student had sole responsibility for the
specific damage.
CsP6: Keys
Keys – Texan Hall, Texan Village, Integrity, Traditions North, Traditions South, Honors, Centennial, Hunewell, Hunewell Annex, and Ferguson Hall are residential facilities that issue a key to the residents upon check-in to campus housing. Keys are the property of University Housing and are NOT to be lent to anyone else.
- Students are expected to carry their room key with them at all times.
- Lost keys must be reported to the Residence Hall Director immediately. A charge of $40-$180 will be assessed for changing locks in a residential unit.
- Lock your door! To help maintain the security of one’s room, students are encouraged to always lock their doors at all times, even if just visiting down the hallway. Duplication of university keys is strictly prohibited
CsP7: Propped Doors
Propped Doors – To ensure the safety and security of the community members and the facilities in which they live, exterior and stairway doors are not to be propped open. Students found responsible for propping doors open will be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action. Propping electronic access doors damages the electronic mechanisms and propping can result in a fine for damaged property
CsP8: Lockouts
Lockouts – It is the student’s responsibility to always have the room key/Texan card in his/her possession. Accidental lockouts occasionally happen, and a Residence Life staff member can help in such cases. Students will report to their Residence Hall office and check-out a key/temp card for a period of no longer than thirty minutes. If lockouts become
habitual, administrative and/or disciplinary action may be taken and/or the Residence Life staff may have a new lock put on the door and assess the cost of a lock replacement charge to the resident(s).
CsP9: Conservation
Conservation – It is the responsibility of every student to manage and control the use of energy in their residence hall/apartment. Keeping windows closed and turning lights and electrical appliances off, when not in use, helps to significantly reduce energy use and control the costs of living on campus. Do not tamper with any thermostats or air control switches in the public areas of the residence halls. Damages to these items are costly to repair, and students will be charged for such damages. Problems with the room temperature should be reported to a Residential Leader, the Residence Hall Director or the Department of Residence Life.
CsP10: Windows/Screens
Windows/Screens – Windows are identified as emergency escape routes. Windows must always remain unobstructed. Nothing may be placed between blinds and windows or extend outside of the window (TV antenna, clothes, banners or
decorations), hung, or be installed for your privacy and/or to control lighting and heat from the sun. Please check the window
screen carefully. Students are responsible for any damage to windows and screens. Windows in air-conditioned residence halls must be kept closed. In all halls, windows must be closed whenever the heating system is on during cool/cold times.
Screens must remain in the window frames. Do not lean anything against the screens to prevent possible damage
CsP11: Student Property
Student Property – Neither the University nor Residence Life are responsible for replacing a student’s belongings as a result of damage or if items are lost or stolen. This includes food kept in appliances. For that reason, students are strongly encouraged to purchase renter’s insurance or to verify that their current homeowner’s insurance covers their belongings while at school. Campus housing has electrical limitations, and overloading the system presents a fire and
safety hazard. The following guidelines have been established in the interest of individuals’ safety and the preservation of University property:
Permitted Electrical Items – Students are permitted to possess and use generally common electrical items in campus housing. All electrical items must have UL listed tag and be in good repair.
- Blenders
- Hair Dryers
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Clocks
- Hair Trimmers
- Radio/Stereo
- Computers
- Hand Mixers
- Corn Poppers
- Curling Irons
- Iron
- Televisions
- Fans
- Single Serve coffee makers without an external heating element
- Heavy duty extension cords no more than 6 ft long
- Surge Protector
- Any student found to be exceeding the electrical capacity of their unit will have restrictions placed on their use of electricity.
Not Permitted Items – Due to the fire/safety hazard they present, items listed below are not permitted in campus housing:
- Light duty extension cords
- Gang outlets
- Air Conditioners (window unit types, unless provided by university maintenance)
- Microwave Ovens
- Broilers
- Rice Cookers
- Coffee maker with external heating element
- Convection Ovens
- Space Heaters
- Sun Lamps
- Deep Fryers
- Toaster, Toaster Oven
- Electric Skillets
- Hot Plates
- Refrigerators
- Mini-Fridge
- Grills
- Flexible Neck Lamps
- Temporary Lighting (Christmas lights)
- Other large electrical appliances
- Any of these appliances above found during routine inspections must be removed immediately. Any second incidents will result in administrative and/or disciplinary action. Students should be aware items not included in the above list may also be prohibited.
CsP11: Student Property Guidelines
- Residents possessing street signs or other public signs are considered to be in possession of stolen property. These and similar items are not permitted in campus housing.
- Small pocketknives and table knives are allowed. Firearms, knives, defense sprays, arrows, bows, paintball guns, Air Soft guns, Orbeez guns, sling shots, spear guns, or any other weapon(s) and ammunition are not allowed in campus housing or anywhere else on University property. Possession of such items is considered to be a serious infraction. Students who fail to uphold this policy are subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action which will include removal from campus housing as well as referral to University Police for possible criminal prosecution.
- The possession and/or detonation of any explosive device, including all forms of fireworks, is strictly prohibited. Possession/use of such items is considered to be a serious infraction of University policy and state law. Students who fail to uphold this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include removal from campus housing as well as a referral to University Police for possible criminal prosecution.
- Students who wish to play musical instruments in campus housing may do so only with instruments that use electronic headphones to prevent inconvenience to other residents. Students are strongly encouraged to use the facilities available through the Department of Fine Arts.
- Large equipment storage must be discussed with your roommate to resolve space and allergen concerns.
- For the safety of the community and the preservation of the University’s facilities, residents may not have darts or dart boards in campus housing.
CsP12: Bicycle Policy
Tarleton State University reserves the right to remove any property which has been abandoned or has fallen into disrepair.
- Any bicycle that is unsightly or has a deteriorating status shall be removed from the rack and disposed of through a local entity.
- Any property deemed to be a safety hazard shall be removed immediately and disposed of through a local entity without obligation for notification or refund.
- Any bicycle left on a rack around an on-campus facility after June 1 of each year shall be removed from the rack and disposed of.
- Bicycles may not be kept in residence hall lounges, stairwells, interior public areas, on porches or attached to exterior stairs. Bike racks are located near most residence halls/apartments.
The University is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to students’ money, valuables, or other personal affects. The University does not provide insurance to cover such losses. Students should check their parents’/guardian’s insurance to ensure that the policy covers the student’s personal possessions while at Tarleton. If the parents’ insurance does not provide such coverage, students are advised to purchase renter’s insurance.
CsP13: Handgun Policy
Handgun Policy – Tarleton State University policy prohibits students under the age of 18 to possess a weapon in on-campus student housing. Only License holding individuals 18 and older, with the exception of members or veterans of the armed forces, are permitted to carry a legally approved and concealed weapon on campus and in a residential facility. Any resident who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun and chooses to bring the handgun into their residence hall room/apartment must store his/her handgun and ammunition in a combination or electronic steel safe when the handgun is not on or about their person. Open carry is not permitted.
Any resident of campus housing, who is a handgun license holder and wants to store a handgun in their residence hall room, must provide and properly install their own steel safe in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- The safe shall be designed and manufactured for the storage of a handgun.
- No safe may be permanently affixed to the housing facility.
- An additional locking cabinet will be provided at the resident’s request for containing a reasonable sized safe.
- The University will not provide a primary storage device.
- The resident may not provide access to their safe to any other individual. This includes restricting room access as necessary.
- Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests, including family and friends.
CsP14: Solicitation Policy
Solicitation Policy –
- Individuals or groups are not permitted to make door-to-door solicitations/announcements. Individuals wishing to approach students in University Housing for the purpose of soliciting sales of goods, services, and memberships must have approval from the Director of Residence Life. Students should notify the Residential Hall Director or Residence Life immediately if approached by solicitors.
- All individuals and groups wishing to post/distribute informational materials in University Housing must have the permission to do so from the Director of Residence Life. All materials posted/distributed in Residence Life facilities/halls must be stamped to verify approval before being dispersed or posted.